Spool release mechanism

ABSTRACT

Mechanism for controlling the rotation of a spool of strand material on a strand fabricating machine having a &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;work center&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; toward which a tensioned strand from a spool is incrementally released. The spool is carried by a spindle of a spool holder having a base with a case housing the mechanism. The mechanism develops a frictional locking force against rotation of the spool which is selectively released for let off of a strand of material from a spool.

United States Patent 1 Deyoung 1 Sept. 11, 1973 [54] SPOOL RELEASE MECHANISM 1,011,898 12/1965 Great Britain 188/823 [75] Inventor: Simon Arden Deyoung, Ravenna,

Ohio Primary ExaminerGeorge E. A. Halvosa [73] Assignee: Karg Machine Products, Inc., Attorney-Mack D. Cook, 11

Tallmadge, Ohio [22] Filed: Oct. 27, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 193,013 [57] ABSTRACT [52] Cl 188/823 188/8234 192/47 Mechanism for controlling the rotation of a spool of [51] Int. Cl. i I i i 63/00 strand material-on a strand fabricating machine having [58] Field fig 8234 a work center toward which a tensioned strand from 192/27 47 a spool is incrementally released. The spool is carried by a spindle of a spool holder having a base with a case [56] References Cited housing the mechanism. The mechanism develops a frictional locking force against rotation of the spool UNITED STATES PATENTS which is selectively released for let off of a strand of 2,962,128 11/1960 Luenberger 188/82.84 i l f a SPOOL FOREIGN PATENTS 0R APPLICATIONS 7 1,032,632 4/1953 France. 188/8284 3 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTEUSEPI 1 I973 3 757, 4

' sum 1 or 3 v z 4// /A INVBWUR SIMON ARDEN DE YOUNG FIG. 4

A T TORNE Y PATENTEUSEPHIQH 3.757.904

. sum 2 or 3 SIMON ARDEN DEYOUNG F I 3 INVENTOR.

A TTORNE Y SPOOL RELEASE MECHANISM CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The subject matter of this invention is related to the subject matter of co-pending application Ser. No. 193,128 filed l/27/7l.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Strand fabricating machines utilizing the present invention have sets of spool carriers which are moved along circular paths in opposite directions relative to the work center of the machine toward which tensioned strands from the spools are incrementally released. The tensioned strands may be interlaced, woven, braided or spiralled as to each other or around a core member.

Various mechanisms are known in the prior art for controlling the rotation of spools of strand material. See, for example, U. S. Pat. No. 3,362,282.

The prior art has typically used a ratchet element selectively disengaged from a set of ratchet teeth by a spring clutch permitting rotation of the spool. Such ratchet and spring clutch mechanisms have the disadvantages of being subject to excessive wear, a low speed of operation,.a high noise level of operation, and susceptible to abusive or intentional damage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved mechanism for controlling the rotation of spools of strand material on a strand fabricating machine having a work center toward which a tensioned strand from a spool is incrementallyreleased.

It is further an object to provide a spool release mechanism permitting spool rotation in infinitely variable increments.

Still further, it is an object to provide a spool release mechanism which is not subject to excessive wear of the component elements, which will have a high speed of operation, which will have a low noise level of operation, and with component elements protected from abusive or intentional damage.

These and other objects of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, will be apparent in view of the Detailed Description of the Invention as set forth below.

In general, a spool release mechanism according to the invention is used with a spool holder having a base adapted for mounting on 'a strand fabricating machine and a spindle extending from the base for carrying a spool of strand material.

A spool release machanism according to the invention is characterized in that a spool release mechanism case is carried by the base coaxially of the spindle. The case has an annular socket seating an actuating disc to expose a surface thereon having a series of sequentially spaced inclined planes. The case also houses a rotatable locking disc spaced apart from the actuating disc to provide an annular recess. A series of cylindrical rollers and a roller retaining plate are positioned within the recess. The plate retains the rollers in a spacing corresponding to the spacing of the inclined planes on the actuating disc. The plate also has associated therewith a movable release flange which projects through an opening in the wall of the .case. The rollers are maintained in position for contact with the inclined planes on the actuating disc by a lock means associated with the case.

A spool attached to the locking disc will rotate against a frictional locking force caused by the impingement of the rollers between the locking disc and the inclined planes on the actuating disc. The locking force is released by movement of the roller retaining plate relative to the locking disc via selective movement of the release flange.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 2, 3 & 4, the spool release mechanism is further characterized in that the rollers are arranged within the annular recess so that the axes thereof are transverse to the axis of the spindle. In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 & 6, the axes of the rollers are parallel to the axis of the spindle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a side view of a strand fabricating machine having thereon the mechanisms to control rotation of spools according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view in section of one form of mechanism according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a plan view taken substantially as indicated on line 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is another view in section taken substantially as indicated on line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view in section of another form of mechanism according to the invention; and,

FIG. 6 is a plan view taken substantially as indicated on line 66 of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIG. 1, a strand fabricating or braiding machine is indicated generally by the numeral 10. As shown, the braiding machine 10 is operating in a vertical plane although the machine 10 could be operated in a horizontal or an inclined plane.

The braiding machine 10 has a structural frame with support members 11 for floor mounting. The machine 10 includes a braiding mechanism indicated generally by the numeral 12, a drive housing 14, a control box 15, a capstan support housing 16, a capstan 17, an interior braiding point retainer 18, and an exterior braiding point retainer 19. The work center" of the machine 10 is in the area between the retainers 18 and 19.

The braiding mechanism 12 includes a set of spools indicated generally by the numeral 20. A material strand from each spool 20 is let off toward the work center." The strands are subjected to tension by the capstan I7 and are braided as to each other or around a core member 21 introduced coaxially of the braiding mechanism 12.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 & 4, a spool 20 is carried by a spool holder, indicated generally by the numeral 22, having a base 23 adapted for mounting on the braiding mechanism 12 of a machine 10. The spool holder 22 also has a spindle 24 extending from the base 23.

A spool release mechanism, indicated generally by the numeral 25, is housed within a case 26 carried on the base 22 coaxially of the spindle 24. As shown, the case 26 is formed integrally in the end of the holder 22 facing the spool 20. However, the mechanism 25 could be assembled as a unitary structure and thereafter attached to the holder 22. In either construction, the side wall and bottom of the case 26 define an annular socket seating an actuating disc 27. The actuating disc 27 has an exposed surface with a series of sequentially spaced inclined planes 28.

The mechanism case 26 also houses a rotatable locking disc 29 spaced apart from the actuating disc 27 to provide an annular recess. A series of cylindrical rollers 30 and a roller retaining plate 31 are positioned in the recess between the discs 27 and 29. The plate 31 retains the rollers 30 in a spacing corresponding to the spacing of the inclined planes 28 on the actuating disc 27. The plate 31 also has associated therewith a movable release flange 32 projecting through an opening 33 in the wall of the case 26. The rollers 30 are maintained in position for contact with the inclined planes 28 of the actuating disc 27 by a lock means 34 associated with the case 26.

As shown, the lock means 34 comprises a split ring 36 inserted in a groove 37 in the wall of the case 26 and engaging an annular spacer 38. The spacer 38 in turn engages a peripheral flange 39 of the locking disc 29. The locking disc 29 also has an axial hub 40 providing an inner recess for seating a bearing 41 to facilitate rotation of the locking disc relative to the spindle 24. The radially outer surface of the disc hub 40 also provides a stop surface for annular spacers 42 used to maintain the position of the rollers 30 in the annular recess between the discs 27 and 29. I

Also as shown, a spool 20 may have a hub member 45 with a peripheral flange overlying the locking disc 29 and suitably attached thereto as by torque pins 43 inserted in disc sockets 44. A spool 20 carried on the spindle 24 and attached to the locking disc 29 will tend to rotate as a strand of material being led to the work center of the machine 10 is subjected to tension by the capstan 17.

Referring to FIGS. and 6, a spool 20 is carried by a spool holder, indicated generally by the numeral 122, having a base 123 adapted for mounting on the braiding mechanism 12 of a machine 10. The spool holder 122 also has a spindle 124 extending from the base 123.

A spool release mechanism, indicated generally by the numeral 125, is housed within a case 126 carried on the base 122 coaxially of the spindle 124. As shown, the case 126 is formed integrally in the end of the holder 122 facing the spool 20. However, the mechanism 125 could be assembled as a unitary structure and thereafter attached to the holder 122. ln either construction, the side wall of the case 126 defines an annular socket seating an actuating disc 127. The actuating disc 127 has an exposed surface with a series of sequentially spaced inclined planes 128.

The mechanism case 126 also houses a rotatable locking disc 129 spaced apart from the actuating disc 127 to provide an annular'recess. A series of cylindrical rollers 130 and a roller retaining plate 131 are positioned in the recess between the discs 127 and 129. The plate 131 retains the rollers 130 in a spacing corresponding to the spacing of the inclined planes 128 on the actuating disc 127. The plate 131 also has associated therewith a movable release flange 132 projecting through an opening 133 in the wall of the case 126. The rollers 130 are maintained in position for contact with the inclined planes 128 of the actuating disc 127 by a lock means 134 associated with the case 126.

As shown, the release flange 132 projects from a totatable plate 136 seated on the bottom of the case 126. The flange plate 136 also carries the retaining plate 131 to maintain the position of the rollers 130 in the annular recess between the discs 127 and 129. The lock means 134 comprises a top plate 137 secured to the case 126 as by screws 138.

Also as shown, a spool 20 may have a hub member 142 fitted coaxially over and suitably attached, as by frictional engagement or by mechanical means (not shown), to an elongated tube element 143. The tube 143 is located coaxially around the spindle 124 and is suitably attached, as by mating threads 144, to the locking disc 129. A spool 20 carried on the spingle 124 and attached to the locking disc 129 will tend to rotate as a strand of material being led to the work center" of the machine is subjected to tension by the capstan 17.

In both embodiments of a spool release mechanism (25 or 125) according to the invention, the rotation of a spool 20 attached to a locking disc (29 or 129) will tend to cause the locking rollers (30 or 130), captivated by the roller retaining plates (31 or 131), to simultaneously ramp up the inclined planes (28 or 128) on the actuating disc (27 or 127). The normal force developed by impingement of the rollers produces a frictional locking force which increases as the torque load on the locking disc increases. The locking force is released by movement of the roller retaining plate relative to the locking disc.

In both embodiments of a spool release mechanism (25 or 125), the frictional lockingforce developed by simultaneous movement of the locking rollers (30 or 130), in one rotational direction, is released by selective movement of the release flange (32 or 132) in the opposite direction. The present invention contemplates that the release flange may be actuated by any suitable means responsive to conditions or forces developed by or present on a strand of material from a spool 20 being led to the work center of the machine 10.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5 & 6, the spool release actuator means may include a reciprocating actuator rod 50 having an inclined surface 51 thereon intended for sliding engagement with a planar surface 52 on a release flange 32 or 132. For such further details as are necessary to understand the operation of an actuator rod 50, reference may be made to the related US. application Ser. No. 193,128 filed 10/27/71.

What is claimed is:

1. A spool release mechanism; a spool holder having a base adapted for mounting on a strand fabricating machine, a spindle extending from said base carrying a spool of strand material, said spool having a hub membet, a spool release mechanism case carried by said base coaxially of said spindle, said case having an annular socket seating an actuating disc to expose a surface thereon having a series of sequentially spaced inclined planes, a rotatable locking disc within said case and spaced apart from said actuating disc to provide an annular recess, said locking disc being positively attached to a spool hub member fitted coaxially around said spindle, a series of cylindrical rollers and a roller retaining plate positioned within said recess, said plate retaining the rollers in a spacing corresponding to the spacing of the inclined planes on said actuating disc and having associated therewith a movable release flange projecting through an opening in the wall of said case, said rollers being maintained in position for contact with said inclined planes on said actuating disc by a lock means associated with said case,

further characterized in that, said rollers are arranged within said annular recess so that the axes thereof are transverse to the axis of said spindle.

3. A spool release mechanism according to claim 1,

further characterized in that, said rollers are arranged within said annular recess so that the axes thereof are parallel to the axis of said spindle. 

1. A spool release mechanism; a spool holder having a base adapted for mounting on a strand fabricating machine, a spindle extending from said base carrying a spool of strand material, said spool having a hub member, a spool release mechanism case carried by said base coaxially of said spindle, said case having an annular socket seating an actuating disc to expose a surface thereon having a series of sequentially spaced inclined planes, a rotatable locking disc within said case and spaced apart from said actuating disc to provide an annular recess, said locking disc being positively attached to a spool hub member fitted coaxially around said spindle, a series of cylindrical rollers and a roller retaining plate positioned within said recess, said plate retaining the rollers in a spacing corresponding to the spacing of the inclined planes on said actuating disc and having associated therewith a movable release flange projecting through an opening in the wall of said case, said rollers being maintained in position for contact with said inclined planes on said actuating disc by a lock means associated with said case, whereby, a spool having a hub member attached to said locking disc will rotate against the frictional locking force caused by impingement of said rollers between said locking disc and the inclined planes on said actuating disc, said locking force being released by movement of said roller retaining plate relative to said locking disc via selective movement of said release flange.
 2. A spool release mechanism according to claim 1, further characterized in that, said rollers are arranged within said annular recess so that the axes thereof are transverse to the axis of said spindle.
 3. A spool release mechanism according to claim 1, further characterized in that, said rollers are arranged within said annular recess so that the axes thereof are parallel to the axis of said spindle. 